“It was so encouraging to see the young lives make the decision to follow Jesus and proclaim to the public that they have decided to follow Christ all the days of their lives,” said Valerie Leong, organizing advisor.
Water baptism is a powerful symbolic declaration of showing the world that we have decided to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, by hook or by crook. The obedient response symbolizes the burial of our old self and engaging in a new life with Christ. This was the decision made by five young lives from Ablaze Kuching ranging from ages 13-17 years old.
On a sunny, glorious 1st June 2022, around 30 Ablazians departed to Borneo Tribal Village, Bau, Sarawak, intending to celebrate and witness the water baptism and to build a closer intergenerational relationship through smiles and laughter. The Ablazians consisted of high school students, tertiary students and a few young working adults.
After some intense team-building games which brought great laughter across the village, the time came for the five baptizes. In a cold, refreshing stream, one by one entered the stream. One of the baptized, 17-year-old Simon Hardin, mentioned that he was baptized at birth but has made the decision for himself once again, as he now understands the true meaning of being a Christ follower and the importance of water baptism. He came out of the water with a big smile and was ready to begin a new life with Christ.
The baptism concluded with a celebration of praise and BBQ chicken wings. It was truly a time of unending joy as God’s presence permeated through each life, especially the five who had chosen to publicly declare their faith.
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7.
